I’m pretty sure our camera was experiencing cuteness overload on Halloween. The following is a clip of some more of that cuteness I caught just before letting the chimps into the Playroom for their party. Jody and Negra rarely play, and certainly not with each other, so not only was it super cute, but it was a rare sight to see too!
Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest
Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary for primates.
Wow!!! I don’t think I’ve ever seen Jody play, have a playface, or heard her laugh, way to go Jody. The laughter was the first thing I caught before the video actually got started. Jackie, I was wondering about your comment, “certainly not with each other,” are you implying that they don’t usually get along or just keep their distance from one another? I was hoping that Jody would begin to show different sides to her personality, come out of her shell more, with time. This video is certainly one of those times, way to go Jody!
Hi Candy,
I should rephrase that. Negra and Jody do get along just fine, they just don’t have very playful personalities, so playing together is pretty rare. However, more playful chimps, such as Foxie or Missy, have a better chance at getting Negra or Jody in the mood to play with their silly antics, so when we do see Negra or Jody play, it’s much more common for it to be with someone who is more silly or playful by nature.
I have definitely seen some changes in Jody’s personality lately. I have noticed her being more playful (and Negra too, for that matter) than usual and even initiating play with others. But, generally speaking, both Jody and Negra seem to prefer to spend more time alone relaxing or grooming (either themselves or someone else). The other day, Jody went all the way up to the top of the hill by herself and just sat up there, even though it was cold and windy. No one else was outside, she didn’t appear to be doing anything but she stayed out there for a long time, so I couldn’t help but wonder if she was doing it just to be alone. I can’t imagine how cool that must feel for her- to finally have some space to get away! But, as they say, absence makes the heart grow fonder, so I’m sure being able to get away also makes it easier for her to enjoy her time with her friends and to feel more playful than usual. That may be true for Negra too, as she has been spending more time inside alone than usual while the others are out venturing on the hill, and at the same time, has been seen playing with others more when they are together. I think it’s safe to say that, no matter how they are using it, the hill has completely changed the lives of the Cle Elum Seven in a spectacular way!
tears of joy here …
Me too, Leslie!!
Wow! There was some serious Wrestling, Slap & Tickle, Follow the Leader, Bite Me in the Knee, Playfaces and serious Chimp Laughter going on!!!
It brings such joy to be able to watch that. Great video Jackie!!
Maybe we should send that video to Washington DC, demand that the politicians watch it and then tell them that’s how you get things done with a smile on your face!! (Tee-Hee!) 🙂